National Character Counts Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

President Theodore Roosevelt once said that, "Character, in the
long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of
nations alike." During National Character Counts Week, Americans
reaffirm our dedication to promoting good character and upholding the
timeless virtues that make our Nation strong.

Our Founding Fathers understood that our country would survive and
flourish if our Nation was committed to good character and an
unyielding dedication to liberty and justice for all. Throughout our
history, our most honorable heroes practiced the values of hard work
and honesty, commitment to excellence and courage, and self-discipline
and perseverance. Today, as we work to preserve peace and freedom
throughout the world, we are guided by a national character that
respects human dignity and values every life.

The future success of our Nation depends on our children's ability
to understand the difference between right and wrong and to have the
strength of character to make the right choices. To help them reach
their full potential and live with integrity and pride, we must teach
our children to be kind, responsible, honest, and self-disciplined.
These important values are first learned in the family, but all of our
citizens have an obligation to support parents in the character
education of our children.

Our schools play a crucial role in teaching the skills, knowledge,
and moral values that will help our children succeed. As Martin Luther
King, Jr., stated, ". . . intelligence is not enough. Intelligence
plus character -- that is the goal of true education." By guiding
children to understand universal values such as respect, tolerance,
compassion, and commitment to family and community, our schools are
working to achieve this goal.

My Administration is committed to promoting character by
encouraging public service and civic awareness. The USA Freedom Corps
is helping citizens discover volunteer opportunities in their
communities and spreading the message that everyone can do something to
care for their neighbors in need. This past June, we convened the
White House Conference on Character and Community, which showcased
programs from around the country that are proving that sound values can
be effectively taught.

By affirming the importance of good character in our society and
encouraging all people to lead lives of virtuous purpose, we can
prepare our Nation, and especially our Nation's children, for the
challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Strengthening our national
character will help secure greater opportunity, prosperity, and hope
for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 20 through October 26, 2002, as National
Character Counts Week. I call upon all public officials, educators,
librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this
week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.